A Seattle bucket list

Here’s our take for 50 things to do, ranging from urban, lofty things to climb to silly, touristy things that are easy to accomplish. See how many items you can cross off the list, and tell us what you think we missed. Who knows, the Northwest is so vast and beautiful that it might warrant two bucket lists.

<p><b><big>A Seattle and Northwest bucket list</big></p></b>
<p>Our list is mostly based in Washington and ranges from lofty, ambitious things to climb to silly, touristy things that are easy (and fun) to accomplish. </p> less

<p><b><big>A Seattle and Northwest bucket list</big></p></b>
<p>Our list is mostly based in Washington and ranges from lofty, ambitious things to climb to silly, touristy things that are easy (and fun) to ... more

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<p><b>Climb Mount Rainier</b>: "You will leave sore from your toes to your temples, you will feel drained, your feet likely will be blistered, and your lungs may feel congested from labored breathing of the thin air at more than 2.7 miles high," P-I writer Greg Johnston wrote of the feat in 2007.</p>
<p>So why do it?</p> less

<p><b>Climb Mount Rainier</b>: "You will leave sore from your toes to your temples, you will feel drained, your feet likely will be blistered, and your lungs may feel congested from labored breathing of the ... more

Photo: Mike Kane / SEATTLE PI

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Because the mountain was there. <b>Climbing Mount Rainier</b> means you stood on top of an active volcano and the third-highest mountain in the lower 48 (elevation 14,411 feet).

Because the mountain was there. <b>Climbing Mount Rainier</b> means you stood on top of an active volcano and the third-highest mountain in the lower 48 (elevation 14,411 feet).

Photo: Elaine Thompson / AP

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<b>Hike the Wonderland Trail</b>: If climbing isn't your thing, hike this 93-mile trail around Mount Rainier, one of the country's most famous backpacking trips. It's a tough trek through lowland forests and alpine meadows of more than 22,000 feet in elevation gain. less

<b>Hike the Wonderland Trail</b>: If climbing isn't your thing, hike this 93-mile trail around Mount Rainier, one of the country's most famous backpacking trips. It's a tough trek through lowland forests and ... more

Photo: JOHN FROSCHAUER / AP

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<b>Visit Sunrise at sunrise:</b> Everyone goes to Paradise, Mount Rainier's most popular spot. But fewer people make it to the Sunrise Visitor Center, the park's highest, drivable point. At 6,400 feet, it's 1,000 feet higher than Paradise, and offers gorgeous views of the mountain. less

<b>Visit Sunrise at sunrise:</b> Everyone goes to Paradise, Mount Rainier's most popular spot. But fewer people make it to the Sunrise Visitor Center, the park's highest, drivable point. At 6,400 feet, it's ... more

Photo: Alan Majchrowicz / Seattle Magazine

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<p><b>Splurge at Canlis</b>: For more than 60 years, this has been Seattle's traditional, fine-dining restaurant to celebrate life's big events. Men are expected to wear a suit or sports coat (some tables require it), and the seven-course tasting menu is $125.</p><p> Ask for "Table No. 1," Peter Canlis' old table, where he had a phone installed. It's still there.</p> less

<p><b>Splurge at Canlis</b>: For more than 60 years, this has been Seattle's traditional, fine-dining restaurant to celebrate life's big events. Men are expected to wear a suit or sports coat (some tables ... more

Photo: Gilbert W. Arias / Seattle Post-Intelligencer

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<b>Do the Polar Bear Plunge:</b> Brave the chill and start the new year right with this annual tradition at Matthews Beach Park.

<b>Do the Polar Bear Plunge:</b> Brave the chill and start the new year right with this annual tradition at Matthews Beach Park.

Photo: Jordan Stead / AP

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<b>Camp in the Hoh Rain Forest</b>, a lush canopy of moss, fern, lichen and conifers, where 140 to 170 inches of rain falls a year. Camping is your best chance of seeing ...

<b>Camp in the Hoh Rain Forest</b>, a lush canopy of moss, fern, lichen and conifers, where 140 to 170 inches of rain falls a year. Camping is your best chance of seeing ...

Photo: Quan Yuan / Getty Images/Flickr Open

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... Roosevelt elk, which hang out in the Hoh Rain Forest. September is their mating season, when the males "bugle."

... Roosevelt elk, which hang out in the Hoh Rain Forest. September is their mating season, when the males "bugle."

Photo: ELAINE THOMPSON / AP

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Ride the Great Wheel at sunset.

Ride the Great Wheel at sunset.

Photo: Joshua Trujillo / seattlepi.com

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<b>Jump off a ramp:</b> In the summer, make the leap from one of the "ramps to nowhere" in the Arboretum, <a href=http://www.seattlepi.com/local/article/520-ramps-to-nowhere-to-be-demolished-4221870.php>before they're torn down</a>. (Warning: the ramp is higher from the water than it appears in this photo, so muster courage). less

<b>Jump off a ramp:</b> In the summer, make the leap from one of the "ramps to nowhere" in the Arboretum, <a href=http://www.seattlepi.com/local/article/520-ramps-to-nowhere-to-be-demolished-4221870.php>before ... more

Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO / SEATTLEPI.COM

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Another look at the "ramps to nowhere," 2007.

Another look at the "ramps to nowhere," 2007.

Photo: Joshua Trujillo / Seattle Post-Intelligencer file

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<b>Take off from Lake Union in a seaplane:</b> A 20-minute scenic flight over Seattle costs $99 per person through <a href="http://www.kenmoreair.com/">Kenmore Air</a>. Or make the trip to the San Juan Islands. less

<b>Take off from Lake Union in a seaplane:</b> A 20-minute scenic flight over Seattle costs $99 per person through <a href="http://www.kenmoreair.com/">Kenmore Air</a>. Or make the trip to the San Juan ... more

Photo: George Rose / Getty Images

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Speaking of the San Juan Islands, they're obviously high on the bucket list. First up, <b>kayak the islands</b> and sneak up on orcas, seals and bald eagles.

Speaking of the San Juan Islands, they're obviously high on the bucket list. First up, <b>kayak the islands</b> and sneak up on orcas, seals and bald eagles.

Photo: P-I file

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San Juan Islands, part 2: <b>Camp in one of the boat-in-only marine island parks in the San Juans</b> and pitch your tent away from the crowds. Pictured is Sucia Island, one of the prettiest.

San Juan Islands, part 2: <b>Camp in one of the boat-in-only marine island parks in the San Juans</b> and pitch your tent away from the crowds. Pictured is Sucia Island, one of the prettiest.

Photo: Joshua Trujillo / Seattle Post-Intelligencer

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Hike Mount Constitution on Orcas Island.

Hike Mount Constitution on Orcas Island.

Photo: ROBIN LAYTON

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<b>Ogle orcas</b> on a whale-watching trip, if hiking, camping and kayaking in the San Juans didn't get you close enough to them.

<b>Ogle orcas</b> on a whale-watching trip, if hiking, camping and kayaking in the San Juans didn't get you close enough to them.

Photo: P-I file

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<b>Run the Seattle Marathon</b>. If you prefer warmth, there's the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon in the summer. (The Seattle Marathon is in November or December).

<b>Run the Seattle Marathon</b>. If you prefer warmth, there's the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon in the summer. (The Seattle Marathon is in November or December).

Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO / SEATTLEPI.COM

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<b>Stargaze at the <a href="http://www.parks.wa.gov/512/Goldendale-Observatory">Goldendale Observatory</a></b>: Located in Central Washington, this state park is home to a pristine night sky and one of the nation's largest public telescopes. Wait for a meteorological event and go for a tour. less

<b>Stargaze at the <a href="http://www.parks.wa.gov/512/Goldendale-Observatory">Goldendale Observatory</a></b>: Located in Central Washington, this state park is home to a pristine night sky and one of the ... more

Photo: Washington State Parks site

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Welcome spring with the famous <b>cherry blossoms at University of Washington</b>.

Welcome spring with the famous <b>cherry blossoms at University of Washington</b>.

Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO / SEATTLEPI.COM

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<b>Camp at Shi Shi Beach</b>: Seastacks, tide pools, and an easy hike make this Northwest corner of America one crowded spot in the summer.

<b>Camp at Shi Shi Beach</b>: Seastacks, tide pools, and an easy hike make this Northwest corner of America one crowded spot in the summer.

Photo: DAN DELONG

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<b>Cruise the Inside Passage:</b> Or, in the words of <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/25/travel/uncruising-to-alaska-short-on-frills-long-on-thrills.html?_r=0">The New York Times</a>, "uncruise" the famous waterway from Bellingham to Skagway on a no-frills ferry with the State of Alaska's Marine Highway System. less

<b>Cruise the Inside Passage:</b> Or, in the words of <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/25/travel/uncruising-to-alaska-short-on-frills-long-on-thrills.html?_r=0">The New York Times</a>, "uncruise" the ... more

Photo: Michael Melford inc. / Michael Melford

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Or better yet, <b>kayak the Inside Passage</b>.

Or better yet, <b>kayak the Inside Passage</b>.

Photo: NORTHERN LIGHTS EXPEDITIONS

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<b>Ride your bike naked</b> in the Fremont Solstice Parade.

<b>Ride your bike naked</b> in the Fremont Solstice Parade.

Photo: Joshua Trujillo / Joshua Trujillo

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See hundreds of acres of blooming tulips at the <b>Skagit Valley Tulip Festival</b>.

See hundreds of acres of blooming tulips at the <b>Skagit Valley Tulip Festival</b>.

Photo: Meryl Schenker

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<b>See Mount St. Helens from a helicopter</b>, the best way to see the volcano's devastation and land recovery. (That's Rainier in the background). But there's also terrific hiking, mountain-biking and horseback-riding here. less

<b>See Mount St. Helens from a helicopter</b>, the best way to see the volcano's devastation and land recovery. (That's Rainier in the background). But there's also terrific hiking, mountain-biking and ... more

Photo: GRANT M. HALLER

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<p><b>Do the Ski to Sea:</b> This race from Mount Baker to Bellingham Bay pits teams of eight people in a 7-sport, relay race over 90 miles.</p><p>The sports are: Cross-country skiing, downhill skiing or snowboarding, running, road biking, canoeing, mountain-biking, and kayaking.</p> less

<p><b>Do the Ski to Sea:</b> This race from Mount Baker to Bellingham Bay pits teams of eight people in a 7-sport, relay race over 90 miles.</p><p>The sports are: Cross-country skiing, downhill skiing or ... more

Photo: Ski to Sea website

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<b>Dine at the top of the Space Needle:</b> Touristy, yes. But the revolving Sky City restaurant is an icon.

<b>Dine at the top of the Space Needle:</b> Touristy, yes. But the revolving Sky City restaurant is an icon.

Photo: SCOTT EKLUND

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<b>Backpack in the Enchantments</b>, a spectacular, high-alpine basin of lakes, granite and mountain goats in the Central Cascades. It ranges from 4,400 to 7,800 feet in elevation and is so popular that there's a <a href=" http://www.recreation.gov/permits/Enchantment_Permit_Area/r/wildernessAreaDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=72280">lottery system</a> for visitors. less

<b>Backpack in the Enchantments</b>, a spectacular, high-alpine basin of lakes, granite and mountain goats in the Central Cascades. It ranges from 4,400 to 7,800 feet in elevation and is so popular that ... more

Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO / SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER

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Buy a sex toy or take a workshop at <b>Babeland</b>, Seattle's pioneer store for open, feminist, "sex positivity." The Capitol Hill store celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2013.

Buy a sex toy or take a workshop at <b>Babeland</b>, Seattle's pioneer store for open, feminist, "sex positivity." The Capitol Hill store celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2013.

Photo: Ted Warren / AP

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<b>Be a kid and ride all the rides at the Puyallup Fair</b>, er, Washington State Fair, and then ...

<b>Be a kid and ride all the rides at the Puyallup Fair</b>, er, Washington State Fair, and then ...

<b>Ride STP</b>, the 200-mile bike ride from Seattle to Portland through farmlands and forests. The popular, one- or two-day ride attracts up to 10,000 people each year. (Full name: "Group Health Seattle to Pordtland Bicycle Classic"). less

<b>Ride STP</b>, the 200-mile bike ride from Seattle to Portland through farmlands and forests. The popular, one- or two-day ride attracts up to 10,000 people each year. (Full name: "Group Health Seattle to ... more

Photo: LINDSEY WASSON

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<b>Eat a nine-course dinner at The Herbfarm</b>, where things can't get any fresher or Pacific Northwest-y. A sample menu features paddlefish caviar on crisp salmon skin and lamb loin from Oregon's Anderson Ranch on tongue-of-fire beans. Starts at $189 per person. less

<b>Eat a nine-course dinner at The Herbfarm</b>, where things can't get any fresher or Pacific Northwest-y. A sample menu features paddlefish caviar on crisp salmon skin and lamb loin from Oregon's Anderson ... more

Photo: P-I file

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<b>Visit the Columbia Gorge:</b> Carved by ice-age floods, this deep canyon divides Washington and Oregon and stretches more than 80 miles. You can camp, hike and bike here, or just gaze at the dramatic, basalt walls. less

<b>Visit the Columbia Gorge:</b> Carved by ice-age floods, this deep canyon divides Washington and Oregon and stretches more than 80 miles. You can camp, hike and bike here, or just gaze at the dramatic, ... more

Photo: 178869 / Getty Images

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Columbia Gorge, part 2: <b>Windsurf on the on the Columbia River</b>, where a wind tunnel through the canyon creates wind speeds of 35 mph.

Columbia Gorge, part 2: <b>Windsurf on the on the Columbia River</b>, where a wind tunnel through the canyon creates wind speeds of 35 mph.

Photo: JEFF LARSEN / SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER

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More on the Columbia Gorge: Get up early and <b>go fishing during salmon season</b>.

More on the Columbia Gorge: Get up early and <b>go fishing during salmon season</b>.

Photo: JEFF LARSEN / SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER

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Last one for the Columbia Gorge: <b>Visit Multnomah Falls</b> on the Oregon side. With a drop of 627 feet and a bridge to see it, this cascade is among the country's most dramatic waterfalls to visit. less

Last one for the Columbia Gorge: <b>Visit Multnomah Falls</b> on the Oregon side. With a drop of 627 feet and a bridge to see it, this cascade is among the country's most dramatic waterfalls to ... more

Photo: Naveed Iqbal / Getty Images/Flickr Select

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<b>See the Seahawks at CenturyLink in the best seats you can afford</b> and experience the 12's in person.

<b>See the Seahawks at CenturyLink in the best seats you can afford</b> and experience the 12's in person.

Photo: Jordan Stead / seattlepi.com

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<b>Drive the North Cascades Highway</b>, one of the prettiest drives in the country. You'll pass through Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest and North Cascades National Park, and see snow-capped peaks, historic dams and alpine lakes. less

<b>Drive the North Cascades Highway</b>, one of the prettiest drives in the country. You'll pass through Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest and North Cascades National Park, and see snow-capped peaks, ... more

Photo: JEFF LARSEN / PI

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<b>Check out Seattle's underground:</b> See Pioneer Square's subterranean warren of passageways and rooms - the ground level before the 1889 Great Fire destroyed much of Seattle. The city was rebuilt with elevated streets, and the lower level is now part of the Seattle Underground tour. less

<b>Check out Seattle's underground:</b> See Pioneer Square's subterranean warren of passageways and rooms - the ground level before the 1889 Great Fire destroyed much of Seattle. The city was rebuilt with ... more

Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO / SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER

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<b>Have afternoon tea at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel</b>. Better yet, stay in one of the rooms and order Champagne with your tea.

<b>Have afternoon tea at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel</b>. Better yet, stay in one of the rooms and order Champagne with your tea.

Photo: NIKI DESAUTELS / SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER

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Go dog-sledding near Leavenworth.

Go dog-sledding near Leavenworth.

Photo: GRANT M. HALLER

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<b>Tour Woodinville's wine country</b>: Visit Chateau Ste. Michelle, Columbia Winery, Redhook Ale Brewery and many other wineries in the lush, green Sammamish River Valley. In the summer, include a nice bike ride on the Sammamish River Trail. less

<b>Tour Woodinville's wine country</b>: Visit Chateau Ste. Michelle, Columbia Winery, Redhook Ale Brewery and many other wineries in the lush, green Sammamish River Valley. In the summer, include a nice bike ... more

Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO / SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER

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<b>Paraglide off Tiger Mountain</b>. Or hang glide (which is less common). Either way, this area of the "Issaquah Alps" is the best local place to feel like a bird in flight. That's Lake Samammish in the background. less

<b>Paraglide off Tiger Mountain</b>. Or hang glide (which is less common). Either way, this area of the "Issaquah Alps" is the best local place to feel like a bird in flight. That's Lake Samammish in the ... more

Photo: ROBIN LAYTON

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See a <a href="http://ratcityrollergirls.com/">Rat City Rollergirls game</a>.

See a <a href="http://ratcityrollergirls.com/">Rat City Rollergirls game</a>.

Photo: Joshua Trujillo / seattlepi.com

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<b>Visit Snoqualmie Falls:</b> There's a reason why this 268-foot waterfall attracts 1.5 million visitors a year. It's pretty, easy to visit and known from cult TV show "Twin Peaks." less

<b>Visit Snoqualmie Falls:</b> There's a reason why this 268-foot waterfall attracts 1.5 million visitors a year. It's pretty, easy to visit and known from cult TV show "Twin ... more

Photo: Dan DeLong / Seattle Post-Intelligencer

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<b>Go salmon fishing from a city pier</b>. But if you want to get out of town, take a boat onto Puget Sound, or fly-fish on a beach in Whidbey Island, where you're likely to catch steelhead trout. less

<b>Go salmon fishing from a city pier</b>. But if you want to get out of town, take a boat onto Puget Sound, or fly-fish on a beach in Whidbey Island, where you're likely to catch steelhead ... more

Photo: TOM MARKS

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<b>Ride the Ducks</b>. Cheesey, but fun.

<b>Ride the Ducks</b>. Cheesey, but fun.

Photo: P-I file

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Walk across the famous <b>Capilano Suspension Bridge</b> in North Vancouver, Canada. Apologies to Vancouver and Canada in this bucket list; there's a ton of terrific things to do there that we ran out of time to include. less

Walk across the famous <b>Capilano Suspension Bridge</b> in North Vancouver, Canada. Apologies to Vancouver and Canada in this bucket list; there's a ton of terrific things to do there that we ran out of time ... more

Photo: George Rose / Getty Images

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<b>Do the Tillicum Village salmon bake:</b> It's touristy, but the chance to experience Native American culture makes this trip worth it. Plus the cruise to Blake Island is beautiful.

<b>Do the Tillicum Village salmon bake:</b> It's touristy, but the chance to experience Native American culture makes this trip worth it. Plus the cruise to Blake Island is beautiful.

Photo: KEVIN MORRIS

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Add your spit and wad to Seattle's gross, colorful germfest that is the <b>Gum Wall</b>. (Not exactly the same thing as climbing Rainier, but consider this an easy one to check off on the bucket list). Photo: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jareed/">jareed</a>, Flickr. less

Add your spit and wad to Seattle's gross, colorful germfest that is the <b>Gum Wall</b>. (Not exactly the same thing as climbing Rainier, but consider this an easy one to check off on the bucket list). Photo: ... more